In Brother Sun, Sister Moon, award-winning author Katherine Paterson reimagines a hymn of praise originally written by Saint Francis of A... read full description
reviews
Nov 07, 2011
Margo
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I'm not Catholic, but I've always had an affinity for the gentle St. Francis, who gave up his life of wealth and privilege in medieval Italy to preach to the poor, taking care of the sick and the needy. He's particularly known for his love of all animals, and his affinity for nature in all its splendor. Renowned children's author Katherine Paterson reimagines his text, The Canticle of the Sun, in this exquisite new picture book illustrated by Pamela Dalton. The text, written in free verse, sings
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May 24, 2011
Kelly
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I begin this review by stating that I am not now nor have I ever been Roman Catholic. Still, I have quite a soft spot for Saint Francis of Assisi, whom I'm used to seeing in statue forms in gardens. I've read a few of his prayers before, and find them to be the sort of thing I can get behind - a call for respect for all living creatures and peaceful coexistence with our natural world. It was with complete delight that I opened a package that arrived yesterday from the kind folks at Chr More...
Dec 24, 2011
Alison
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AMAZING illustrations by Pamela Dalton paired with the wonderful Katherine Paterson's prose, BROTHER SUN, SISTER MOON is a gorgeous retelling of St Francis' CANTICLE OF THE CREATURES.
I've always been drawn to the humility, no nonsense attitude of St. Francis, and I think Paterson gets that tone spot on too. Her voice shines brightly throughout-harmonizing perfectly with St. Francis.
Pamela Dalton excels at matching Paterson's prose. Her scenes of the earth's & the Almighty's bounty, mystery & in More...
I've always been drawn to the humility, no nonsense attitude of St. Francis, and I think Paterson gets that tone spot on too. Her voice shines brightly throughout-harmonizing perfectly with St. Francis.
Pamela Dalton excels at matching Paterson's prose. Her scenes of the earth's & the Almighty's bounty, mystery & in More...
Dec 14, 2011
Shauna
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Brother Sun Sister Moon is a visually stunning introduction to a generous spirituality grounded in history and tradition. The time-honored words of St. Francis of Assisi teach readers to observe the world around them with the admiration and love of siblings and that every phase of life and every kind of person can be viewed through a lens of gratitude. Illustrations, poised gracefully against a black background, turn each page into a galaxy in and of itself. The soulful, folksy paper-cuttings
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Dec 27, 2011
Jay
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Katherine Paterson reimagines St. Francis of Assisi's Canticle of the Creatures. Patterson's text pairs beautifully with Pamela Dalton's stunning cut-paper illustrations.
The end of the book includes The Canticle of the Creatures, and notes from the author and illustrator about creating the work.
Pamela Dalton uses a special cut-paper technique known as "Scherenschnitte"(scissor cuts). All of the illustrations in the book were cut from the same piece of paper, and th More...
The end of the book includes The Canticle of the Creatures, and notes from the author and illustrator about creating the work.
Pamela Dalton uses a special cut-paper technique known as "Scherenschnitte"(scissor cuts). All of the illustrations in the book were cut from the same piece of paper, and th More...
Sep 13, 2011
Phoebe
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Extraordinary cut paper designs against a dramatic black background. Reminds me of Kate Seredy illustrations for some reason--maybe the red cheeks, the wholesome flavor. The animals are delightful and the many details (the bread, the little moths, the birds hidden in the borders, the lambs, the man wiping his brow...) wonderful! I do like the original canticle better than Paterson's interpretation as it is lovely and flowing, but this version is fine for children who need simpler language and
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Dec 28, 2011
Rachel
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Another selection for the Mock Caldecott, I had never heard of this book before. It is based on Saint Francis's Canticle of the Creatures written in 1224, and was re-created by author Katherine Paterson (author of Bridge to Terabithia). Although I liked the text, I absolutely loved the cut paper illustrations! Scherenschnitte ("scissor cuts") came from Germany and these intricate designs are done from one continuous piece of paper. My favorites are the illustrations from Sister Moon, S
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Jun 21, 2011
Barbara
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The cut-paper illustrations that have been painted with watercolors add more depth to the already powerful updated version of Saint Francis of Assisi's homage to nature and the wonders of God's creation. This praise song celebrates the light and the dark, Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Sister Stars, Brother Wind, and Sister Water, recognizing the gifts that each of these brings to living things. While humans are present on all the pages, interestingly, plants and creatures surround them and are depic
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Jul 05, 2011
Emily
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Brother Sun, Sister Moon is a glorious retelling of Saint Francis of Assisi's "Canticle of the Creatures." Rarely does a picture book meld word and illustration so seamlessly; the traditional, simple language of Katherine Paterson's "reimagining" of the prayer is translated into image through Pamela Dalton's quiet, detailed cut-paper spreads. Paterson and Dalton's collaboration is a wonderful testament to God's presence in nature, and it also provides a lovely, clear example
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Jan 12, 2012
Jason
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On a Mock Caldecott roll today, I guess. The text is Saint Francis of Assisi's "Canticle of the Creatures" reimagined by Katherine Paterson and illustrated by Pamela Dalton "...with cut paper and watercolor." Although I'll admit that this is not my sort of poem (either version), I do like that the book presents the original poem at the end of the book for comparison. The illustrations are quite impressive: the paper cutting technique used creates a very particular kind of dep
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Feb 08, 2012
Jessica
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Brother Sun, Sister Moon is a rewriting by Newbery winner Katherine Paterson of St. Francis of Assisi's Canticle of the Creatures. She manages to make it sound like something from the 13th century without using any difficult or outdated words, and it's easy enough to understand. My favorite part: "We praise you for our Brother Wind and every kind of weather, stormy or mild. For when he roars he reminds us of your might, and when he comes as a cooling breeze, he tells us of your gentleness
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Nov 22, 2011
David
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Brother Sun, Sister Moon by Katherine Paterson, illustrated by Pamela Dalton is the reimagining of a hymn of praise written by Saint Francis of Assisi.
Using simpler language and imagery, Paterson reimagines this praise hymn to nature beautifully. Each stanza has a double page spread. A translation by Bill Barrett of The Canticles of the Creatures is included, as are notes by Katherine Paterson and Pamela Dalton about working on this project.
The highlight are the intrica More...
Using simpler language and imagery, Paterson reimagines this praise hymn to nature beautifully. Each stanza has a double page spread. A translation by Bill Barrett of The Canticles of the Creatures is included, as are notes by Katherine Paterson and Pamela Dalton about working on this project.
The highlight are the intrica More...
Nov 10, 2011
Tasha
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Acclaimed author, Katherine Paterson has reworked a hymn of praise first said by Saint Francis of Assisi. It praises God for our Brother Sun, Sister Moon, and Sister Stars. Brother Wind and Brother Air are praised for being both harsh and mild. Sister Water is thanked for being life-giving and Brother Fire is thanked for both warmth and playfulness. The song of praise moves through Death as well, thanking God for the days we are given and the love that we are ushered into at death. It is a
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Jun 26, 2011
♥ Park-Avenue
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Thank you so much for sending this book! I will be doing a review on my site www.ParkAvePrincess.com. Children's Books to YA are my very favorite but I do love quite a few adult books as well -- Thrillers, mysterys, fashion and general fiction, fantasy and basically what's "in" right now. Growing up I could read a cereal box and be happy. My standards have grown quite a bit. But I'm always up for a challenge. If I can help you. Please let me know!
Dec 13, 2011
Audeena
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Genre: Realistic/Traditional
Copyright Date: 2011
I personally like this book. However I don't think this is a book I should bring to school. I liked this book because it does talk about praying and be thankful for things that we often take for granted. I believe this would be a great book to use in a Vacation Bible School setting. I plan on leaving this book at home in my home library so share with friends and family!
Copyright Date: 2011
I personally like this book. However I don't think this is a book I should bring to school. I liked this book because it does talk about praying and be thankful for things that we often take for granted. I believe this would be a great book to use in a Vacation Bible School setting. I plan on leaving this book at home in my home library so share with friends and family!
Aug 22, 2011
Megan
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Katherine Paterson rewrote Saint Francis of Assisi's Canticle of the Creatures in language that is more accessible to the modern reader. With great reverence, a prayer is lifted to praise God for the sun, moon, wind, and fire. Amazing woodcut illustrations give the book a unique look that readers of all ages will enjoy. Truly a book to treasure.
I won this book in a giveaway from My Four Monkeys.
I won this book in a giveaway from My Four Monkeys.
Feb 07, 2012
Cheryl
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The art in this is luscious... watercolor paintings cut from a sheet of paper against a black background. Gives it an ethnic/folkart feel. Lots and lots to look at and explore. The text was hard for me to get into, but I can imagine it being a gentle read before bed, encouraging peace and thanksgiving, which, heaven knows, we could all use more of.
Nov 23, 2011
Debbie (Readerbuzz)
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Katherine Paterson offers a revised version of the old prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi, Brother Sun, Sister Moon with beautiful cut-paper illustrations by Pamela Dalton.
“We come to sing a song of praise to you,
O God, the Lord of Heaven and Earth,
who by your power and out of your love have
created all things and called them good.”
“We come to sing a song of praise to you,
O God, the Lord of Heaven and Earth,
who by your power and out of your love have
created all things and called them good.”
Jul 22, 2011
Cynthia
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My mother and I were standing in a gift shop in Fredericksburg tearing up as we just glanced through this lovely book. It is beautifully illustrated. This book was a precious gift to share with my grandson sitting in my lap, getting to read it to him. A good reminder for some of us to remember we have so much to be grateful for.
Jan 18, 2012
Dona
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A beautifully illustrated book. I have heard talk that this may be up for a Caldecott and I can see why. It is a very gentle, peaceful book. The illustrations are watercolor papercuttings. Katherine Paterson is a favorite junior fiction author so I was pleasantly surprised to see her skip genres and write a picture book.
Jan 11, 2012
Emily
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Beautiful. The five star rating could be for the illustrations alone, but Paterson also does a nice job with the text. It is a bit too complicated for the youngest of readers, but a wonderful, calming bedtime read aloud and could also work as a picture book for older readers and adults.
Dec 11, 2011
Brenda
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I usually avoid books that are overtly religious, but this one was written by Katherine Paterson, a favorite author, and the illustrations are totally amazing. They're evocative of the old cherub-cheeked children of classic Golden Books. But, it's the cut paper that draws the eye.
Nov 26, 2011
Jeremy
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traditional picture book - 2011
This is a poem based on Saint Francis Assisi's "Canticle of the Creatures." The words are not so moving or thought provoking, but the illustrations are wonderful. Dalton uses a mixed media of paper cutting and watercolors to create amazing illustrations.
This is a poem based on Saint Francis Assisi's "Canticle of the Creatures." The words are not so moving or thought provoking, but the illustrations are wonderful. Dalton uses a mixed media of paper cutting and watercolors to create amazing illustrations.
Jun 08, 2011
Janice
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Don't miss this masterful "reimagining" of St. Francis of Assisi's "Canticle of the Creatures." Check out my review at New York Journal of Books
Dec 12, 2011
Paul
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Beautiful. Classic look and feel. A wonderful re-imagining of Assisi's Canticle. Would make a wonderful introduction to his extended works. Love Paterson's reference to John Wesley in the end notes and that her heart was "strangely warmed" during her work on this project.
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Jul 21, 2011
Joy
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The cut-paper illustrations in this book are intricate and stunning in their beauty. They are the perfect complement to the lovely hymn of praise of St. Francis of Assisi, retold by Katherine Paterson. This book really is a work of art and a peaceful, inspiring read.
Feb 06, 2012
dee
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This was an absoulutely BEAUTIFUL book. The illustrations were all done with papercutting and breathtaking. Please check this book out. You will not be disappointed. The prayer of St. Francis is beautiful if you can get past the illustrations.
Jan 22, 2012
Amy
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Illustrations are fun to look and and try to figure out how on earth an artist could visualize that scene on a single piece of paper and then cut it out using only a single sheet of paper. I liked the "earthiness" of the verse.
Dec 03, 2011
Shannon
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The cut paper art is amazing -- my students absolutely couldn't believe the illustrations were created from one piece of paper. I loved one of our conversations comparing this book to Never Forgotten. I love my students.
Nov 04, 2011
just found out this got the NY Times illustrator award for 2011. I love Katherine Paterson. Not familiar with the illustrator. Very Catholic, I'm sure I'll love it...
And I like everything Ed Sullivan likes for the most part.
And I like everything Ed Sullivan likes for the most part.
